Wade Hayes Biography

Wade Hayes' music, whether labeled "neo-classic" or "neo-traditional," is all about paying homage to the traditional music he adores. “This is the music I grew up with. It was excellent music. My top five are Gene Watson, Gary Stewart, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings.” Wade has established a great reputation as a performer. Beginning with his iconic #1 song "Old Enough to Know Better," he's blazed a trail through the country music landscape with hits like "I'm Still Dancin' With You," "What I Meant to Say," "Don't Stop," "The Day She Left Tulsa," and others. In 1995, he was designated Billboard Magazine's "Top New Country Artist," and in 1997, TNN Music City News dubbed him the "Male Star of Tomorrow." He offers a distinct heart-rending baritone, well-written lyrics, and great musicianship to the country music industry. On country radio, there isn't another voice like his. Audiences connect with the songs he writes, whether they make you want to dance, laugh out loud, or wipe away tears. And he ranks right up there among Nashville's best guitarists. When he walks onto the stage, you know he was born to be there. Wade's path to today's country music stage began in the little Oklahoma community of Bethel Acres. One of those communities where you don't live next door to everyone, yet everyone knows and cares about you. Wade was 14 years old when he started playing lead guitar in his father's country band, but he had no experience outside of Oklahoma. “I'd never been on a plane or seen the ocean before moving to Nashville.” He understood, though, that he intended to pursue a career in country music. He aspired to be a lead guitarist and right hand man for a big-time country musician when he went into Nashville in his pick-up truck with a little dollars in his pocket and a great goal. Wade had no idea what was in store for him. In Nashville, he juggled the demands of construction work during the day and clubbing at night. Chick Rains, a seasoned songwriter, spotted Wade at Gilleys and recognized his ability. Rains introduced him to producer/songwriter Don Cook, who also happened to be Sony/vice ATV's president. Wade had a publishing deal and a label deaWHBiohatlessl in 72 hours and joined a frenetic world. Rains would become a buddy as well as a significant co-writer. Wade decided to take a sabbatical in 2000, after releasing four albums and traveling for six years. Wade adds, "The goal was to write, relax, and return as someone rejuvenated." I had no idea how difficult it would be to reappear on everyone's radar.” Wade, on the other hand, is making waves in Nashville with his self-produced fifth album, A Place to Turn Around. He's sticking to the goal and showcasing his skills as an amazing voice, a super-talented guitarist, and a people-reaching composer. Wade wrote nine of the eleven songs on the album. When asked how he writes songs, he replied that it may come from anywhere - a guitar riff, a sentence from a book, an idea from a television preacher, life events, and even some advice from his mother. All of those sources may be found in his most recent work. The title track was inspired by being lost on a country road; “Good Day to Go Crazy” originated with a guitar riff; “She Knows Me” was inspired by his favorite television preacher, Charles Stanley; and “The Best Part” and “What's a Broken Heart For You” were inspired by his mother. Wade Hayes, the songwriter, excels at taking from life and transforming it into heartfelt music. On this album, he adds a new facet to his already diverse musical career: producer. And he has been ecstatic by the reaction to his own efforts. Nashville Country.com named it one of the top ten albums of 2009 and dubbed it the year's "most under-appreciated" record. When asked about his experience as a producer, Wade said that it was difficult. “You must realize that I was playing on every track, singing, and keeping up with everyone else. Is it something I'd do again? You betcha! It was a fantastic experience.” Wade pulled in top-tier musicians for this album, including acoustic guitar legend Brian Sutton and A-list studio musician Brent Mason for the novelty tune "Every Time I Give the Devil a Ride." Superior musicianship can be seen on every track. WHBio2013pic Wade has included a version of one of his favorite traditional tunes on each of his albums. It's Gary Stewart's "Drinkin' Thing" on this one. Wade has covered Gary's song for the second time. In 1998, he covered Stewart's "She's Actin' Single, I'm Drinkin' Doubles" on his "Tribute to Tradition" CD. Wade describes Stewart as a "quite unknown artist." To know his work, you must be a die-hard, die-hard country aficionado. I remember listening to and singing along to his music when I was a youngster. He, like others, penned some disturbing material. You could tell they'd been through it. I had no idea what it was about, but I liked it.” Listeners identify Wade's stage charisma, intensity, and love of classic country music on this album, which is quickly becoming a favorite of his long-time admirers and gaining him new converts on a regular basis. “I believe my core audience is made up of people who enjoy traditional music, but I believe there is a new audience out there who will enjoy my music as well. I'm excited to see what the future holds.” Wade has faced a severe health battle since the release of this CD. Wade endured 8 hours of surgery in December 2011 after being diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer that had spread to his liver. Chemotherapy was administered for six months. Cancer cells were discovered in a small group of lymph nodes in January 2013. He had surgery again after 6 months of treatment. He composed Is It Already Time? while enduring treatment. This song delves into the intense feelings he had when he was given the awful prognosis. All earnings from the single's sale will be donated to colorectal cancer research. Wade, who is now cancer-free, praises prayers and members of the outstanding Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center Staff for helping him overcome the extremely bleak odds that this disease handed him. His most recent song, "Go Live Your Life," delves with the challenge posed to him by his doctor after all testing revealed that there was no cancer present. Wade is proof that miracles do occur.

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